In a bid to boost popularity of hockey in the region, Mudgee Hockey Association and Hockey NSW have joined forces.
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President of Mudgee Hockey Ryan Hislop says targeting potential players around the age of 12 introduces them at the right time to the sport.
“I think it’s a great goal and focus. I started playing hockey at the age of 10 and continue to play today 20 plus years later,” Hislop said.
It's a great age to learn teamwork, communication and respect and is a fun sport that engages kids for their health, fitness and development.
- Ryan Hislop
“The sport has an affordable entry level, gear is cheap, local fees are generously subsidised, for juniors the active kids voucher of $100 essentially pays for their season.”
Hockey NSW will be hosting development weekends for people of all ages who are wanting to perfect their skills, while a gala day will be held on April 3 at participating primary schools.
“Hockey is a fantastic sport for fostering teamwork, communication, fitness and a sense of accomplishment,” Ryan said.
There are approximately 100 hockey goers in the local competition, a mix of junior and senior players, with the main season running through April till September.
State championships are regularly held in Bathurst, Orange, Parkes and Lithgow, with potential to hold such events in Mudgee dependant on participation numbers.
I would love to see the game develop here in Mudgee to the point we could host such events on a regular basis and see Mudgee enter its own representative teams in these championships.
“Our local Mudgee competition hosts many masters athletes who represent at state championships as well as Australia in international competitions,” Hislop said.
Hockey NSW will visit on January 24 to discuss the direction hockey in Mudgee will head for 2019.
“As the hockey community is somewhat smaller in Mudgee than say soccer or rugby, the competition is competitive although friendly. The social aspect of the sport is fantastic,” Hislop said.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
